Bay of pigs

• What was the primary cause of the increased tension over Cuba?

  Rivalry between the USA and Soviet Union for influence in Cuba
• Why did American presidents believe Cuba's friendship was important?

  Because Cuba was only 145 km from the US mainland
• What did the USA control in Cuba by the 1950s?

  Most of Cuba's industry, railways, and electricity production
• Who was the dictator of Cuba in the 1950s?

  Fulgencio Batista
• What was the Cuban Revolution of 1959 about?

  It was the overthrow of Batista by Fidel Castro
• What actions did Castro take against American property in Cuba?

  He took control of all American property located in Cuba
• How did the USA respond to Castro's actions?

  By banning the import of Cuban sugar
• What did the USA refuse to do regarding Castro's government?

  They refused to acknowledge Castro's government
• Who did Castro turn to for help after the USA's refusal?

  The Soviet Union
• What did Khrushchev offer to Cuba?

  To buy Cuban sugar
• What military support did Khrushchev provide to Cuba?

  He sent weapons to Cuba at the end of 1959
• How did Castro's image change in Latin America after the Cuban Revolution?

  He became a beacon of hope for exploited peoples
• What did Khrushchev promise Castro in September 1960?

  Military assistance
• Why was Khrushchev eager to challenge the USA over Cuba?

  He wanted to out-manoeuvre Kennedy and needed successes
• What action did the USA take in January 1961 regarding Cuba?


  They broke off diplomatic relations with Cuba
• What was Eisenhower's plan for Cuban exiles?

  To train them for an invasion of Cuba
• What was the name of the group of exiles trained for the invasion?

  La Brigada 2506
• How many exiles were trained for the invasion?

  About 1500
• What were the key events of the Bay of Pigs invasion in April 1961?


  • April 15: US planes bombed part of the Cuban airforce
  • April 16: Planned second wave of bombings called off
  • April 17: La Brigada 2506 landed at Bahia de Cochinos
  • April 19: Fighting ended with casualties and imprisonment of La Brigada
• What was a major reason for the failure of the Bay of Pigs invasion?

  The CIA underestimated Castro's popularity and readiness
• What was the significance of the Bay of Pigs invasion for Castro?

  It strengthened his position and united the Cuban people
• How did the USA's involvement in the Bay of Pigs affect its reputation in Latin America?


  It lost support in the rest of Latin America
• What operation did Kennedy set up after the Bay of Pigs invasion?

  Operation Mongoose
• What did Castro declare at the end of 1961?


  His conversion to communism
• What was Khrushchev's view on the presence of Soviet military in Cuba?

  He saw it as a way to spread communism in Latin America
• Why did Khrushchev want Soviet bases in Cuba?

  To restore the balance of power against US missile bases
• What did Khrushchev claim after the Bay of Pigs invasion?

  He was defending Cuba from future attacks
• What was the Monroe doctrine?


  Doctor that meant Latin American countries could choose their government as long as it was not communist
• Where were La Brigada 2506 trained?


  In Guatemala and Florida
• What were the consequences of the bay of pigs invasion?

  • Kennedy was really embarrassed

  • Khrushchev put Soviet missile bases in Cuba to restore the balance of power